Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur is the Acting Director-General of the GCAA

The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has underscored the country’s potential to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use in its aviation sector.

According to the Acting Director-General of the GCAA, Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Ghana possesses the necessary resources to support SAF production.

Speaking at the opening of the ICAO ACT Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Project Kick-off Workshop on May 20, 2025, he stated, “SAF can be produced from feedstock, used cooking oil, and waste materials. Ghana has significant potential to create jobs through SAF production, aligning with the government’s agenda to create opportunities for the youth and promote sustainable economic development.”

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who was also present at the event, emphasised that Sustainable Aviation Fuel has the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil-based jet fuel.

He noted, “SAF can power today’s aircraft engines without modification, making it an immediate and viable solution for greener air travel. However, scaling up its production and adoption requires a clear understanding of national potential, policy frameworks, technical capacity, and investment opportunities.”

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable, resilient, and innovative aviation sector.

“We will continue to work closely with ICAO, our regional partners, and all stakeholders to realize the promise of sustainable aviation fuels,” Nikpe added.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the aviation industry contributes approximately 2–3% of global carbon emissions. ICAO has responded to the global call for decarbonization by identifying Sustainable Aviation Fuel as one of the key strategies for reducing CO₂ emissions.

Ghana, recognising that passenger numbers and aircraft movements are rising post-COVID-19, emphasizes the need for aviation sector growth to align with global climate goals.

As part of ICAO’s initiative to assess member states’ capabilities, feasibility studies on SAF development and deployment are being conducted. Ghana has been selected as one of the countries to benefit from these studies and workshops.

The Director-General of the GCAA expressed confidence in the process, stating, “Ghana remains optimistic that the feasibility studies will be successful.”

SSD/MA

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